The show has served the youngsters well
By Ranjan AMANDAPPA
CRICKET: Any schoolboy cricketer’s dream is to represent the country
at the highest level and this show which has been existing over three
decades has served the purpose of so many youngsters to achieve their
ultimate goal. These were the sentiments of M.T.A. Rauff the Secretary
of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association with regards to the Sunday
Observer/ Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Show.
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M.T.A. Rauff, the Prefect of Games of Royal College and the
Secretary of The Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association |
It is a systematic climb to the top for a young aspiring cricketer as
their first aim will be to win this prestigious award.
All cannot be winners, there are only two top categories namely The
Schoolboy Cricketer Of The year (All Island) and Outstation. Of course
there are two more categories that is the The Most Popular Schoolboy
Cricketer All Island and Outstation which is selected by votes.
This competition has been going on for the past thirty years which
was previously sponsored by Warner-Hudnut and then Bata and whoever the
sponsors have been there is no doubt that the recipients will be greatly
encouraged for their cricketing future. The present ICC Chief Match
Referee Ranjan Madugalle won on the first two occasions and most of the
subsequent winners went on to represent the country.
Besides the main awards, there has been great emphasis laid in other
award winners like Best Batsman (All Island/Outstaion), Best Bowler,
Best Fielder, Best Team, Best All Rounder etc which gives the winners a
terrific boost form their future. A good number of players who have won
the Best Batsman and Best Bowlers awards have gone to represent the
country at Test level. So this competition only caters to the winners of
the big event, but also for the winners of other categories as well.
M.T.A. Rauff, the Prefect of Games of Royal College and the Secretary of
The Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association, has been in the school
cricket arena for more than 25 years and he knows and is quiet familiar
with most of the players.
He was also incharge of cricket during his tenure at D.S. Senanayake
College and has played a prominent role in the selection process of this
competition.
Pic: Susantha Wijegunasekera
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